PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian
CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER: April 1, 2004
DATEV 2004:
NOW IS THE TIME TO THINK
ABOUT ATTENDING THIS SUMMER
The 18th annual Armenian Studies Program for teens and young adults 13
years and older, will take place June 27 to July 4, 2004, at St. Mary of
Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania. It is not too early to start
making plans to attend this highly successful program. Go to the Prelacy web
site () for complete details, photographs from
past years, impressions of Datevatzis, and application form.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN VISIT
HOME FOR AGED IN NEW YORK
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, accompanied by V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan
Tanielian, V. Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, and Archpriest Moushegh Der
Kaloustian, visited the residents of the Old Age Home in Flushing, New York
yesterday, March 31. The clergymen presided over Arevakal (sunrise) services
for the residents and afterward had the opportunity to visit with them.
Archbishop Oshagan praised their wisdom and experience and noted when these
attributes are combined with the energy of young people, a strong family
unit is formed. The Prelate praised the director and board of trustees of
the Home for providing a clean, happy and loving environment for our elderly
citizens and said he looks forward to his visits to the Home, which are
always inspirational.
PLG MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON
SET FOR MONDAY, MAY 3 AT
ST. REGIS HOTEL IN NYC
The annual Mothers Day Luncheon and Fashion Show, celebrating the 30th
anniversary of the Prelacy Ladies Guild, will take place Monday, May 3, at
the St. Regis Hotel, New York City. Neiman Marcus, Paramus, New Jersey, will
present the Spring 2004 collection. For information and/or reservations
contact the Prelacy 212-689-7810.
FINAL LENTEN LECTURE
TAKES PLACE LAST NIGHT
The Prelacy Lenten Lectures have been taking place for the past six
weeks. Last night was the final lecture. V. Rev. Mashdots Chobanian, Vice
Director of the Christian Education Department of the Catholicate of
Cilicia, presented a meditation on the 23rd Psalm. Substituting for Deacon
Shant Kazanjian, who was ill, Hayr Mashdots described Psalm 23 as a psalm of
trust in the divine shepherd who guides His children through the darkest
valley. He correlated this to the coming Holy Week when Jesus Christ is
tortured and crucified for the sins of humankind and the power of Christ’s
resurrection is transmitted to the faithful, giving new life. In the words
of the Psalmist, God restores our soul, leads us on the right path, and
comforts us with goodness, mercy, and the promise to dwell in the house of
the Lord forever.
The inspirational prayer service and meditation were followed by a
delicious buffet of Lenten foods prepared by the Prelacy Ladies Guild and
the Ladies Guild of St. Illuminators Church. The Lenten Lectures are
co-sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and the
Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG).
GREEK AMBASSADOR MEETS
WITH CATHOLICOS ARAM I
The new Ambassador of Greece to Lebanon, H. E. Nikolaos Vamvounakis, met
with His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, in
Antelias. The purpose of this visit was to get acquainted with His Holiness,
to learn more about the Cilician Catholicate, and to become better
acquainted with the Armenian community in Lebanon. His Holiness emphasized
the longstanding friendship between the Greek and the Armenian nations and
churches. The Ambassador noted the importance of strengthening the
Armeno-Greek friendship and collaboration.
CILICIAN SEE PARTICIPATES IN
MIDDLE EAST COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian and Bishop Kegham Khatcherian represented
the Great House of Cilicia in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the
Middle East Council of Churches, March 22-25. The meeting was hosted by the
Coptic Orthodox Church and took place in Cairo, Egypt.
ENTERING GREAT WEEK
One of the most beautiful and stirring experiences in the Armenian
Church liturgical calendar is Great Week, which after a preparation during
the Lenten period brings us to Christ’s last days on earth. During this week
we commemorate His teachings, His suffering, His death, and Resurrection.
Saturday is the beginning of the extended Great Week celebrations with
the commemoration of the resurrection of Lazarus as the assurance of our
common resurrection.
Sunday is Palm Sunday (Tzaghkazard), which commemorates the triumphant
entry of Christ into the city of Jerusalem and the tumultuous welcome by the
people.
Vespers service on Palm Sunday evening is called Ternpatzek (Opening of
the Gates) and is a reminder of the second coming, the day of the Last
Judgement. Traditionally Ternpatzek service is held in the late afternoon,
and in some areas of the world this practice continues. In the United
States, because of the travel distances involved, this service is conducted
immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday.
Great Monday is dedicated to the creation of the world as the foundation
of the second creation through Christ.
On Great Tuesday the Church remembers the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and
the Second Coming of Christ. Psalm 24 is read and the Gospel reading invites
the faithful to watch and wait in hope for the imminent coming of the Lord.
On Great Wednesday the Church commemorates Mary Magdalene and her
anointing of Christ, and the betrayal of the Lord by Judas.
THOUGHT OF THE WEEK
I know what it is to be young. You do not know what it is to be old.
(Armenian Proverb).
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